The High Court has suspended the swearing-in of John Chebochok as the director of Tegat Tea Factory.
Chebochok who is implicated in a sex-for-work scandal, has been under intense scrutiny following a BBC exposé.
The BBC documentary, titled “The True Cost of Our Tea,” aired in February 2023, detailed severe labor abuses within the tea industry, particularly focusing on sexual exploitation and unsafe working conditions.
“That in the meantime the AGM scheduled for 18th of this month to swear in John Chebochok into office as a director is suspended. Matter is scheduled for ruling on 15th of next month,” reads court order.
![Chief Justice Martha Koome. Photo/Kome(X)](https://thekenyatimes.com/storage/2024/05/Chief-Justice-Martha-Koome-750x375.jpg)
Court Ruling
The court has scheduled a hearing for later next month to further deliberate on the matter and determine whether the suspension will be lifted or if Chebochok will be permanently barred from assuming the director position.
In the meantime, the KTDA faces the challenge of restoring public trust and ensuring that the welfare of its workers is prioritized.
For now, the fate of John Chebochok hangs in the balance as the court continues to weigh the evidence and the implications of his potential appointment on the reputation and ethical standards of the KTDA.
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Outrage on Chebochok Election
Chebochok was prominently featured in the documentary, which sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability.
The documentary included undercover footage and survivor testimonies, leading to his termination from James Finlay’s United and his subsequent ban from their properties.
Despite these serious allegations and his dismissal, John Chebochok was allowed to contest for and was elected to the position of director of the Toror Tea Factory on June 29, 2024.
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However, the court ruling comes after public outrage and concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the protection of women’s rights within the tea industry.
Even the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) expressed significant concerns over Chebochok’s election as the director of Toror Tea Factory, an entity managed by the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA).
The LSK emphasized the need for ethical leadership within KTDA and has called for thorough investigations into the allegations against Chebochok.
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![A Tea plantation farm. Photo/Courtesy](https://thekenyatimes.com/storage/2024/07/TKT-27-750x375.png)
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